In the world of marketing, the terms we used to describe our planning efforts can tend to sound similar and used interchangeably. If you’re not careful, your content strategist might be given the job of a content marketer, which can cause a myriad of issues. From double-working to neglecting certain practices, make sure your content team understands the difference between content strategy vs content marketing.
Is your content marketer doing the job of your content strategist? Learn the differences between the two terms! Share on X
Yes, there really is a difference between content strategy and content marketing. In the overall marketing industry, those terms have the unfortunate case of being used as synonyms. To better understand your skills and how to enhance your content creation, make sure you have a full understanding of each term.
Defined by Content
Both terms, content strategy and content marketing are involved in the process of creating material to promote a brand or product, specifically pieces of content. Content could include blog posts, social media interactions, videos, e-books, webinars, or anything else that is published or distributed.
Good content aims to be valuable and relevant to the target audience so that potential customers will respond. In order to create good content, however, your business’ marketing team has to have a plan. That’s where strategizing comes into play.
Yes, There IS a Blaring Distinctive
According to the dictionary, content strategy isn’t a definable term. However, strategy compared to marketing helps to weed out the confusion.
- Strategy: noun, a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result.
- Marketing: noun, the total of activities involved in the transfer of goods from the producer or seller to the consumer or buyer, including advertising, shipping, storing, and selling.
In other words, a strategy is an important part of analyzation that makes your content marketing efforts worth it. As you’re brainstorming a plan to promote your product, knowing how to sell your product or service will directly impact whether you can actually make a profit. That’s the advantage of having a content strategy.
You Can’t Strategize without Marketing
If you need to sell a product, basic marketing is essential for your business’ success. However, in a content marketing campaign, a content strategist will be the voice of reason for your brand. While you might be able to have a marketing plan without a strategy, neglecting the use of analysis and evaluation will have your content efforts falling flat. Without a clear branding message that can be measured, your content-based attempts are merely guesses.
Pro Tip: Take the confusion out of your marketing efforts with content management by your side. With monthly management and ongoing support, a marketing team will optimize your content for your target audience.
Maintain Your Marketing Strategy
At the end of the day, the goal is to create content that engages your target audience. Whatever role you play in your business or agency, it’s important to pay attention to the types of content your users want to receive. If you can create a content plan that makes sense and is realistic, you’ve got a combination of strategy and marketing that is sure to please.
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